This is Mexico City – The local perspective

One of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world with 23 million inhabitants. The biggest city in North America. Portrayed by many media as a dangerous place? Is it a place you shouldn’t after all? How is life in a metropolitan like Mexico City? I asked 14 locals to give me their points of view.  

The last week of my 7-month-life in Mexico, I stayed in Mexico City. The idea of asking locals about life in Mexico was born in Monterrey. With time the project formed into four essential questions that I wanted to ask locals of Mexico City. Those are the four questions I tried to answer on:

Do you like to live in Mexico City? And why?
Do you feel safe in the city?
What needs to change that you feel better about your life here and the city?
What would you tell tourists who visit Mexico City the first time?

Geographically it includes Great Mexico City, that means the municipality that are neighboring Mexico City. In the headlines I included the Name, Age, Job, where they are from (if they are not from Mexico City) and the neighborhood they are living in. CDMX is the acronym for Mexico City.

The idea, limitations and drawbacks

The idea in my mind was ideal, of course. But during explorations and interviews, I discovered that it was not going to be like I imagined it. I was thinking about interviewing all social classes, age groups, and different neighborhoods. I even wanted to talk to the homeless, the LGBTQ+ community and have a good mix of people. But because of the language barrier and the time limit, it did not turn out how I wanted it.

Additionally, I experienced rejection more from female interviewees than from males. And most of the time, the latter were also more talkative. Although my project did not become the ideal that I had in mind, I’m pleased about the results and think it gives you a little insight into the locals in Mexico City.

Meet 14 locals from 9 different neighborhoods in Mexico City:

Carlos, 87, retired, worked in security, Iztapalapa

Carlos is an 82 old, retired Mexican who is originally from the city. He likes to live in Mexico City because it is more attractive than Cholula. It is not a small town. There is always something going on. Carlos feels safe in downtown Mexico City, because there is a lot of security in this area. There is even undercover security, those who don’t wear uniforms who take special care of the foreigners. Carlos would like to see changes regarding safety in the “Micro Bus / Peceras”. He gave me the advice to use any other transportation mode except those because there’s a lot of stealing, specially cellphones.

Arturo, 22, Construction, from Veracruz, Iztapalapa

Arturo lives in Iztapalapa, one of the biggest delegations in Mexico City. There you can find pretty suburbs, middle-class and low-class suburbs. He lives now and lived his whole life in the low-class suburbs. Arturo is not scared of going somewhere and thinking he might be assaulted.

“But you look American, to be honest, you really look like a foreigner. And you can notice when someone is a foreigner. You need to go around greeting everyone, talk to everyone. That makes them feel like you’re a friend.”

Arturo would like to see a change with the low-maintained security cameras. The so-called C5 security cameras aren’t working or only work in the nice suburbs. That means when the police arrive after the assault, asking what happened. They act somewhat careless about the situation. There is also the problem with water. Arturo needed to install a water pump to always have water at home. 

That’s what Arturo is telling tourists who will come the first time to Mexico: “That they enjoy Mexico, there’s a lot of things to see, beautiful things and people, they are really friendly. Also try the food that’s why you’ll see many overweight people *laughs* because you cannot compare Mexican gastronomy, our spices, the chocolate… Don’t try tacos in a restaurant, get them on the streets wherever you see a lot of people. Try scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll see another world.

“If you really want to know the real Mexico’ manchate de barrio’ (translation: submerge yourself in the ‘hoods [not the popular or low-class neighborhoods]) Go to Tepito. That’s the real ‘hood of Mexico.”

Alexis, 29, Physiotherapist, Universidad

Alexis is a 29-year-old physiotherapist who grew up and lives in the neighborhood called Universidad. He likes to live in CDMX because the especially in the area where he lives (the south) is unbelievably cheap, here you can find street food everywhere at any time of the day. Alexis feels safe in the area where he lives, but maybe he has a low profile. 

What needs to change that you feel better about the city? “Openness to the community, spending time together beyond competition. Not necessarily to make a social organization or involve the government but just for it to come naturally to help each other.
That makes it so that people in cities or rural areas have this comfort place. Because some of them don’t have money or live in poverty, it will sound bad, but they are starting to have this attitude of ‘open hands’ or mindset of ‘give me because I’m really poor and I don’t have anything. I don’t want to say it’s wrong, but that also influences when you wish to inculcate the difference between goods and jobs.

So basically, answering your question, I would like the community to open up to what they know and how to do it so that these people wouldn’t depend on social organizations or the government. Therefore, they could support themselves financially. People got used to the government’s help and just have an ‘open hands’ mentality.”

First-timers to CDMX says Alexis the following:
“That Mexico, especially the city, isn’t like a Postal Card. There’s a lot of poverty, just like in India or Thailand. There is also this notion of shortage, and some people live inside a bubble that does not get invited to see the reality. But some places look like they were taken from a book, so picturesque. I think that people who come to Mexico with an essence will make art and leave the country inspired. Inviting them to come back will make them create.“

Pedro, 46, Mechanic, Iztapalapa has ancestors from Spain

Pedro likes to live in Mexico City because he likes the culture. Mexico is a huge country and has a lot of cultures. The food is also very different. He lived in the USA and met many people from Europe, Africa, and Asia, but at the end, Pedro came back to Mexico.

Pedro always says, ‘if you are looking for problems you will find problems’. Bronx is very dangerous, for example, East Los Angeles as well. Maybe even Ukraine is also very dangerous right now (the interview was before the war started). There are areas in CDMX that are very safe and secure, and then there are areas with conflict. “It all depends on how you want to live, if you want problems…look for them.”

What needs to change that you feel better about the city?
“The people should respect the rules. The people should act more ethical, parents should teach their children how to act ethically. If your ‘town’ is well educated, you would demand more from your government, can’t blame it on them. Who needs to change is us, civilians.”

What would you tell tourists who visit Mexico City the first time?
“First of all, welcome. I hope their stay is excellent, so they would like to come back and recommend us (Mexico) to the world so that they don’t think we are conflict (based on the news they see about Mexico in general).

Aztec Legend says Hernan Cortez burned the feet of our last Aztec Emperor because he was looking for his treasure. He would ask, ‘where is the treasure?’ and the emperor said: Admire my treasure. It is before your eyes. He never understood that the Mexican treasure it’s the people, the ‘town’. The people here a very warm, if you would ask me for money or a ride I would kindly do it and not only me but a few others would also be willing to help… get to know the people and country.
Don’t base your thoughts of Mexico on what the news says, we are more than bad news, tacos or beer.”

Jessica, 31, Law Student, Azcapotzalco

Jessica likes to live in Mexico City because all services are accessible, like public transportation, school and university. She feels safe in the city. She knows how to get around and to other parts of the city. Jessica would like to see change at the traffic and in cleanliness in general.

To first timers to Mexico City, Jessica tells first-timers to Mexico City: “Enjoy the city, the beautiful scenery, the people and culture as well as the food and excuse the bad organization when it comes to cleanliness or public transportation.”

Daniela & Erick, 18, Interior Design Students, Argentina Poniente

Daniela and Erick like to live in the city. Erick likes the way of life. Daniela likes it because it is calm. Both sometimes feel safe in the city. Their neighborhood Argentina Poniente is occasionally safe, but after 9 pm, it’s better not to leave the house. The city center and downtown are much safer than some other parts of the city. Daniela and Erick would like to see changes at the police. As they abuse their authority; they do not like that. To the tourist who visit Mexico they would like to say that the touristic spots are safe and of course enjoy.

Adriana, 17, Street Vendor, Azteca Ecatepec

Adriana likes to live in Mexico City because she has a lot of friends here. She also feels very safe in the city. She can’t think about anything that that needs to change in the city. To the tourist she says: Disfruta – Enjoy!

Jorge, 55, Street Vendor, Tepito

Jorge really likes to live in Tepito. He lived his whole life there. This neighborhood is an important trading post. But Tepito is also an aggressive neighborhood, it’s easy to get into a fight. Jorge is working as a street vendor since he is 14 years old. First he sold tools for construction and now glasses and arm clocks. He is grateful for that, “because it gives me the life I have. I can provide for my family and keep going.”

Jorge feels safe at the market. Not in other zones in the city, but the market in Tepito makes him feel safer. It is not likely to be roped at the Tepito market. There is a lot of delinquency in the city that people need to be aware of that.

What needs to change that you feel better about the city?
“The police here in Mexico is very corrupt. They abuse their authority and make deals with robbers to get something out of it. Also, the corruption of the government is something that should be changed.”

To the visitors Jorge says: “Great that you are visiting our city. Welcome it is a great city to be in, enjoy your time here.”

Rosa, 67, Street Vendor, born in Guerrero, Tepito

Rosa likes to live in CDMX because of the atmosphere. Despite all the problems the city has the atmosphere is beautiful. She feels safe in the city. Rosa would like to see a change in how the police work. They should not extort people.

What would you tell tourists who visit Mexico City the first time?
„Well, I hope they keep coming back and will be very careful, especially if they are women. Well, men too. It’s dangerous, no? But they should not drink. They should go out and healthily have fun. Because unfortunately, for example, where I come from, forget about it.“… “I think they need more education to go out to other countries and that people welcome them warmly and don’t experience anything negative.”

My last question for Rosa was whether it is safe to go to Tepito as a foreigner. She said it is safe, as long as you go with someone together.

Maricela, 70, retired, worked in a kindergarten, Roma

Maricela likes to live in CDMX. She was born in Mexico City and lived here her whole life. Maricela also feels safe in the city. She wants to tell the tourists coming to Mexico that there are many places you can visit. For instance, Acapulco or Puebla. She also told me that she had lost her daughter, she died too young, but she has a grown-up grandchild working now.

Manuel, 40, Street Vendor, born in Estado de Mexico, Jamaica

 Manuel did not like to live in the city when he was younger. However, now he likes to live here more or less. Manuel enjoys going out of the city to visit Puebla or other places around Mexico City. He doesn’t often go to other city areas because some areas are dangerous. In the area of Jamaica, there is a market, restaurants, and a residential area where he lives and feels safe. Very close to him, his aunts and cousins live. The tourists who visit CMDX for the first time, Manuel, would like to tell them that it is friendly here and enjoy the variety of the food. And be aware when using public transportation.

Laline, 36, Accountant, Condesa

Laline likes to live in CDMX because there are many things to do. From restaurants with different cuisines to cafes, parks and museums. It’s hard to get bored in this city. She also feels completely safe in the city.

The change that Laline would like to see is that the work of men and women is recognized equally. “You can look at the statistics, Mexico is bad when it comes to equal salaries between men and women. Also, the racism within Mexico is something that needs to change. For instance, you can’t find any darker-skinned Mexican in a leading position”. Another thing that Laline mentioned is: that it is not easy to find work opportunities in Mexico, which generates insecurities. That issue already starts with the flawed education system, which brings many people to the streets. That means there are a lot of robberies and similar problems.

What would you tell tourists who visit Mexico City the first time?
Don’t listen to the media too much, where they tell you Mexico City stands for drug trafficking and deaths. No, no, Mexico is much more than that. It is a huge beautiful city, with many historical sites, not to mention Mexican hospitality and friendliness. In every city you have neighborhoods that aren’t so safe. But the tourist areas in CDMX are calm and very friendly.

Jose, 37, Clown, Ecatepec

Jose lives in Ecatepec, aka Ecate Bronx. He said that this is the most dangerous Municipality in Mexico and is also the most overpopulated municipality in Latin America.

 He likes Mexico City. There are many places to go. However, he doesn’t enjoy it that much because he doesn’t have the money. Jose feels completely safe. He can take care of himself and is always aware of his surroundings, which makes him feel safe in every place in Mexico. Jose mentions that culture is one of the most important things that need to be changed. The culture of respect towards each other. Not only to respect each other but also to respect each other’s different perspectives. Jose also doesn’t like the racism in Mexico. “People need to be more educated to lose this racism towards each other. That’s a difficult/complex topic and very hard to change.” He told me a story about a football game where a huge fight broke out just because people had different opinions.

Jose recommends that tourists come to CDMX for their first time to look at the safest places around the city, some areas are secure and charming and others are destructive. Or ask someone who lives here who can give you a tour.

Outcome

Mexicans of Mexico City do enjoy living there because of various reasons. Overall, they perceive their life there as positive. Most of them feel safe. Some of the interviewees don’t feel so safe in some areas or late at night. What I found interesting is that most people answered the question of what should change with the corruption within the police. I was aware of bribery of the police, but that the police would also support unlawful behavior, I wasn’t aware of it. But also, as an Austrian, I guess I cannot understand the scoop of corruption within the police.

What I found even more interesting is Pedro said about ethics and that Mexicans should respect the rules. A similar answer gave Jose, who wants to see a change in the culture regarding respect and racism. Laline also mentioned racism in Mexico. The exciting thing is that it confirms the observations and discussions during my time in Mexico. However, only a few locals said that.

The challenge

Being introverted and approaching strangers in a language I wasn’t fluent in was a step outside my comfort zone. And yes, I also got rejected. But I kept going. Although, my initial goal was to ask 20 people. I got 14 interviews at the end, which is still a pretty good representative. Some discussions were rather long, and some Mexicans were telling stories after stories, others a short and straightforward. I did not want to exclude anyone and put everything in the blog post that answered my question. I hope my Spanish knowledge is better so I can have conversations one day.

During my first stay in Mexico City, when I arrived in Mexico, I realized that walking around in the busy center drained my energy within minutes. Also, the interviews took a lot of energy. I needed to push myself sometimes. However, to my surprise, not to the extent I thought it would be energy draining. I spent whole days walking around, discovering new neighborhoods, and finding interviewees in the city. The day in Tepito, for example, after making it back to the Hostel, I thought I would crash on the bed and chill for a while, but instead, I went very spontaneously to the hairdresser, even met up with a friend, and went to bed late. Therefore, I slept like a stone 😀 

Only on my very last day, I had an extra 30 minutes where I waited for a friend and there was this square full of people. I felt like I didn’t have any energy to approach people. I was exhausted and stressed at the thought of my late-night flight. 

This project was a lot of work but loved it. Even though I only understand around 30 % or even less of interviews. I loved to meet all different types of people. I will do more projects like this in the future. If you have ideas or want to collaborate, let me know. I’m open to it.

Special Thanks

A huge thanking to Ginelle and Fonsi for the translation help. And also Enrique and Jace. Thanks to Neftalí for accompanying me to Tepito. And thanks to Chuy for the opportunity to introduce me to some interesting people.
AND of course to all the people who talked to me and give me and you a glimpse inside their life in Mexico City.